This tutorial review describes the use of 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (tpy) metal-binding domains in supramolecular chemistry. The origins of tpy chemistry are described and the reasons for its current importance in supramolecular chemistry are explained. Examples of tpy compounds in a wide variety of supramolecular chemistry are presented. The content will be of interest to organic, inorganic, supramolecular and nanoscale chemists.

Dye-sensitized solar cells with carboxylate-derivatized {Cu^IL₂} complexes are surprisingly efficient and offer a long-term alternative approach to ruthenium-functionalized systems.